Monday Morning Musings:
“Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or are they shadows of things that May be, only?”
–Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
“Every time I sing this song, I hope it’s the last time.”
–Lisa Petersen and Denis O’Hare, An Iliad
After the storm, the moon rises
humming fiercely in the winter sky.
Do you hear her music—
urging, warning, comforting?
Cold, but bright, shimmering
ever-present
reflecting all our ifs
back to us,
and in shadows and dreams,
we sometimes understand.
***
It is the season of joy and sorrow
of unexpected gifts
and the kindness of strangers
of carols and bells
and hypocritical politicians
It is the season of rain and snow
of a full moon setting as the sun rises
of comfort food and warm clothing—and cats–
of a flock of turkeys that suddenly appear
and disappear
like my mother’s thoughts and memories
delusions and dreams
shadows of things that were
or might have been
things that never were or will be.
It is the season of my birth
perhaps a miracle of a sort,
considering the gap of years
between my older sister and myself?
A rapprochement between my parents
carrying on to the birth of my younger sister
two years later?
I guess I’ll never know,
and does it matter?
I am here.
And so, we celebrate
a weekend with food and wine—
we watch Mrs. Maisel.
We walk in the city
decorated with Christmas lights
We are reminded of things that were
of things that might be
We are reminded, too, that there is more
in the world
than what we can see
Though The Poet is doomed perhaps
to sing her song of war
over and over and over again–
“Do you see?” she asks us.
We do.
We see the rage, the endless killing
over what?
A woman? A piece of land?
We hear the lies.
We see the man rallying his base–
evil, madness, pestilence–
Marley’s chains rattle and clank.
The spirits appear
over and over again . . .
and yet . . .magic exists all around us
in birdsong, the moon, the stars,
a baby’s laugh,
a deer appearing in the woods,
sunrise, sunset–
Do you see?
Look.
Listen.
Sing the songs of joy and peace–
dream.
I had a wonderful birthday weekend. We watched several episodes of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, ate Thai Curry Mussels at Monk’s Cafe in Philadelphia, saw a wonderful one-man performance of A Christmas Carol (Lantern Theater Company), saw a performance of An Iliad, (Arden Theater Company), a mostly one-woman show (along with a musician), a glass of wine at Pinot Boutique in Old City. Followed by Chinese food, more Mrs. Maisel, and my own flourless chocolate cake (The Oracle told me to eat cake!)
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Beauty 💖
Thank you very much!
Without even really mentioning the season you capture something uniquely Christmas festive with this. It’s one of those things that keeps coming around, like wars and warnings, I suppose.
What’s this new thing of the Oracle’s telling us what we should and shouldn’t eat?
Thank you. Yes, I guess the holiday season does keep coming around–like wars, unfortunately. I don’t know. Do you think she’s concerned about health, or just wants to make sure we enjoy ourselves? 🙂
Probably both 🙂
🙂
Lovely reflections; lovely cake and candle picture. What matters is that you are here – certainly.
Thank you very much, Derrick.
Wow, what a great birthday! Now, these lines are a bit bittersweet: “I guess I’ll never know, / and does it matter? / I am here.” My sisters are 10 and 8 years older than my brother, 13 and 11 years older than me. i once asked my mom if she had planned things that way, having me and my brother later when my sisters would be old enough to help. She said she had planned on either me or my brother “showing up.” While I appreciated her honesty, I pretty much regretted having asked 😉 Fortunately, it no longer matters. We–you and I–are here and making the most of every moment. That’s what counts. ❤
Your family is like mine! I didn’t really grow up with my brother around at all. My brother and older sister were like one set of siblings, and then my younger sister and I–she’s only two years younger than me–formed the second set. I don’t think any of us were planned, but it’s my own fantasy that my parents were going through an extra sweet period when me and my younger sister came along. 🙂
I like your fantasy 🙂
🙂
I’m so happy you listened to Oracle and ate the cake! Thank you for sharing the celebrations with us. I loved every photo! The window shot is gorgeous. Wishing you the best year ever, Merril!
Thank you for your lovely comment, Jill.
That window belonged to some therapist’s office in Philadelphia. I thought it was very pretty, too.
❤
Your Monday Musings are always marvellous, Merril.
Awww–thank you so much! I had a hard time getting this one together.
Did you really? It sure doesn’t show!!
Thank you! Well, once I really got started, I got into it–it was figuring out how to start it and what it was going to be about.
That can often be the hardest part… 😉
Indeed. 😉 I knew I was going to talk about the plays and my birthday a bit, of course, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it–if that makes sense.
Yep. Frankly, I don’t know how you do all the ones you do so beautifully… 🙂 I am in awe of your talent.
That is such a lovely thing to say. Thank you so much! ❤
I love your cake! (And your smiling face)
And I love your imaginings about your parents.
You capture the light of the season we are all hanging on to in order to keep on. (K)
Thank you, Kerfe. I had a lovely and fun birthday weekend–and I baked that flourless chocolate cake for myself, and it was good. My husband bought me some coffee ice cream to go with it. 🙂
Here’s an intriguing thought – If not for that one night, we would not exist, at least as we are. And how would things be if it was another night (or day)? Would we be any different?
Do you mean when we’re conceived? I suppose we might be different.
🙂
Happy Belated Birthday – sounds like you had a happy day!! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much!
I love the photo of you with the cake and candle. Another happy birthday to you, Merril. (And I agree with you about magic being all around.)
Thank you very much, Robin!
Beautifully penned down the whirlwind of emotions going on in your mind, alongwith the juxtaposition of the season, as you celebrate your Birthday..!!
Belated Birthday Wishes to you.. 🙂 Wishing you a great year ahead..!!
Thank you very much! Happy New Year to you, too!
Thank you very much Madam.. 🙂
Wish you too a very Happy New Year..!!